Noisy at the Wrong Times

'I have just read Michael Volpe's autobiography, "Noisy at the Wrong Times." It was given to me to read by someone who is in it so I thought I would read it out of curiosity and loyalty. I didn't expect to be completely engrossed. This is an account of a stroppy, young Londoner sent to an English boarding school during the seventies. It is honest, moving, touching, graphic and often very funny. The author is very conscious of his luck, the changes taking place in English life at the time and able, more than most, to hold a mirror up to himself. He is very articulate and writes very well too. I think it might be a classic like, "Tom Brown's School Days." From the reviews, it looks as if I'm not the only one to think so.'

David Mlinaric is an interior designer and decorator. His work ranges from commissions for private clients to public galleries and museums – the National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery and Victoria and Albert museum - and many buildings belonging to the National Trust.